Apparatus and method for therapeutically treating damaged tissues, bone fractures, osteopenia or osteoporosis

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for therapeutically treating at least a portion of a body. Apparatus and methods according to various embodiments of the disclosure include a platform for supporting at least a portion of a body. The platform includes at least one plate, a drive lever supported from the plate, and a damping member including a cantilever spring in contact with the drive lever. The platform is actuated at a first frequency. Next, the damping member is oscillated to create a force with a second frequency. Then, the force is distributed to at least a portion of the platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/448,201 (1429-11 CON 2) filed on Jun. 7, 2006,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/073,978filed on Mar. 7, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,094,211 (1429-11 CON), whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/290,839, filedon Nov. 8, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,227 (1429-11). The priority ofthese prior applications is expressly claimed and the entire contents ofthese disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to the field of stimulating tissuegrowth and healing, and more particularly to apparatuses and methods fortherapeutically treating damaged tissues, bone fractures, osteopenia,osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions.

2. Description of Related Art

When damaged, tissues in a human body such as connective tissues,ligaments, bones, etc. all require time to heal. Some tissues, such as abone fracture in a human body, require relatively longer periods of timeto heal. Typically, a fractured bone must be set and then the bone canbe stabilized within a cast, splint or similar type of device. This typeof treatment allows the natural healing process to begin. However, thehealing process for a bone fracture in the human body may take severalweeks and may vary depending upon the location of the bone fracture, theage of the patient, the overall general health of the patient, and otherfactors that are patient-dependent. Depending upon the location of thefracture, the area of the bone fracture or even the patient may have tobe immobilized to encourage complete healing of the bone fracture.Immobilization of the patient and/or bone fracture may decrease thenumber of physical activities the patient is able to perform, which mayhave other adverse health consequences.

Osteopenia, which is a loss of bone mass, can arise from a decrease inmuscle activity, which may occur as the result of a bone fracture, bedrest, fracture immobilization, joint reconstruction, arthritis, and thelike. However, this effect can be slowed, stopped, and even reversed byreproducing some of the effects of muscle use on the bone. Thistypically involves some application or simulation of the effects ofmechanical stress on the bone.

Promoting bone growth is also important in treating bone fractures, andin the successful implantation of medical prostheses, such as thosecommonly known as “artificial” hips, knees, vertebral discs, and thelike, where it is desired to promote bony ingrowth into the surface ofthe prosthesis to stabilize and secure it.

Numerous different techniques have been developed to reduce the loss ofbone mass. For example, it has been proposed to treat bone fractures byapplication of electrical voltage or current signals (e.g., U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,105,017; 4,266,532; 4,266,533, or 4,315,503). It has also beenproposed to apply magnetic fields to stimulate healing of bone fractures(e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,953). Application of ultrasound to promotingtissue growth has also been disclosed (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,360).

While many suggested techniques for applying or simulating mechanicalloads on bone to promote growth involve the use of low frequency, highmagnitude loads to the bone, this has been found to be unnecessary, andpossibly also detrimental to bone maintenance. For instance, high impactloading, which is sometimes suggested to achieve a desired high peakstrain, can result in fracture, defeating the purpose of the treatment.

It is also known in the art that low level, high frequency stress can beapplied to the bone, and that this will result in advantageous promotionof bone growth. One technique for achieving this type of stress isdisclosed, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,103,806; 5,191,880; 5,273,028;5,376,065; 5,997,490, and 6,234,975, the entire contents of each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. In this technique, thepatient is supported by a platform that can be actuated to oscillatevertically, so that the oscillation of the platform, together withacceleration brought about by the body weight of the patient, providesstress levels in a frequency range sufficient to prevent or reduce boneloss and enhance new bone formation. The peak-to-peak verticaldisplacement of the platform oscillation may be as little as 2 mm.

However, these systems and associated methods often depend on anarrangement of multiple springs supporting the platform, with the resultthat precise positioning of the patient on the platform becomesimportant. Moreover, even a properly positioned patient standingnaturally will exert more force on some portions of the platform thanothers, with the result that obtaining true vertical motion of thepatient becomes difficult or impossible.

There remains a need in the art for an oscillating platform apparatusthat is highly stable, and relatively insensitive to positioning of thepatient on the platform, while providing low displacement, highfrequency mechanical loading of bone tissue sufficient to promotehealing and/or growth of damaged tissues, bone tissue, reduce or preventosteopenia or osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions.

Furthermore, there remains a need for apparatuses and methods fortherapeutically treating damaged tissues, bone fractures, osteopenia,osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein satisfies the needs described above. Moreparticularly, apparatuses and methods according to various embodimentsof the invention are for therapeutically treating damaged tissues, bonefractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions.Furthermore, apparatuses and methods according to various embodiments ofthe invention can be an oscillating platform apparatus that is highlystable and relatively insensitive to positioning of the patient on theplatform, while providing low displacement, high frequency mechanicalloading of bone, muscle, tissue, etc. sufficient to promote healingand/or growth of bone tissue, or reduce, reverse, or prevent osteopeniaor osteoportosis, or other tissue conditions. Note that a platformaccording to the invention can be referred to as an “oscillatingplatform” or as a “mechanical stress platform.”

One aspect of apparatuses and methods according to various embodimentsof the invention focuses on a platform for therapeutically treating bonefractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions. Theplatform supports a body. The platform includes an upper plate; a lowerplate; a drive lever supported from the lower plate; a spring in contactwith the drive lever; and a distributing lever arm in contact with theupper plate. The drive lever is actuated at a first predeterminedfrequency. Next, the damping member creates an oscillating force at asecond predetermined frequency on the drive lever. A portion of theoscillating force transfers to the distributing lever arm. Then aportion of the oscillating force from the distributing lever armtransfers to the platform so that the body on the platform receives anoscillation.

A particular method for therapeutically treating a tissue in a bodyhaving a mass includes supporting a body with a platform. The methodincludes actuating the platform at a first frequency, and thenoscillating the platform to create an oscillating force with a secondfrequency associated with a resonance frequency of the mass of the body.Finally, the method includes distributing the oscillating force to themass of the body on the platform.

Another particular method for therapeutically treating tissue in a bodyincludes supporting a body with a mass on a platform. The platformincludes an upper plate; a lower plate; a drive lever supported by thelower plate; a damping member in contact with the drive lever; and adistributing lever arm in contact with the upper plate. The method alsoincludes actuating the drive lever at a first predetermined frequency;oscillating the damping member to create an oscillating force with asecond predetermined frequency; transferring a portion of theoscillating force from the damping member to the distributing lever arm;and distributing a portion of the oscillating force from thedistributing lever arm to the platform so that the body's mass on theplatform receives an oscillation.

Objects, features and advantages of various apparatuses and methodsaccording to various embodiments of the invention include:

(1) providing the ability to therapeutically treat damaged tissues, bonefractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions in abody;

(2) providing the ability to therapeutically treat tissues in a body toreduce or prevent osteopenia or osteoporosis;

(3) providing the ability to therapeutically treat damaged tissues, bonefractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions in abody at a frequency effective to promote tissue or bone healing, growth,and/or regeneration; and

(4) providing an apparatus adapted to therapeutically treat damagedtissues, bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissueconditions in a body.

Other objects, features and advantages of various aspects andembodiments of apparatuses and methods according to the invention areapparent from the other parts of this document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an oscillating platform according tovarious embodiments of the invention, viewed through the top plate, andshowing the internal mechanism of the platform.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view taken along line 1-1 in FIG. 1, andpartially cut away to show details of the connection of the oscillatingactuator to the drive lever.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the oscillating platform shownin FIG. 1, and partially cut away to show the internal mechanism of theplatform.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of another oscillating platform according tovarious embodiments of the invention, viewed through the top plate, andshowing the internal mechanism of the platform.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 4, showing theoscillating platform in an up-position.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 4, showing theoscillating platform in a mid-position.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 4, showing theoscillating platform in a down-position.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a rear section view along line C-C in FIG. 4, showing theoscillating platform.

FIG. 11 is a side-sectional view of another oscillating platformaccording to various embodiments of the invention, showing the internalmechanism of the platform.

FIG. 12 is a side-sectional view of another oscillating platformaccording to various embodiments of the invention, showing the internalmechanism of the platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Apparatuses and methods in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention are for therapeutically treating tissue damage, bonefractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions.Furthermore, apparatuses and methods in accordance with variousembodiments of the invention provide an oscillating platform apparatusthat is highly stable, and relatively insensitive to positioning of thepatient on the platform, while providing low displacement, highfrequency mechanical loading of bone tissue sufficient to promotehealing and/or growth of tissue damage, bone tissue, or reduce, reverse,or prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis, and other tissue conditions.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an oscillating platform according to variousembodiments of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of theplatform 100, which is housed within a housing 102. The platform 100 canalso be referred to as an oscillating platform or a mechanical stressplatform. The housing 102 includes an upper plate 104 (best seen inFIGS. 2 and 3), lower plate 106, and side walls 108. Note that the upperplate 104 is generally rectangular or square-shaped, but can otherwisebe geometrically configured for supporting a body in an upright positionon top of the upper plate 104, or in a position otherwise relative tothe platform 100. Other configurations or structures can be also used tosupport a body in an upright position above, or otherwise relative tothe platform. FIG. 1 shows the platform 100 through top plate 104, sothat the internal mechanism can be illustrated. Oscillating actuator 110mounts to lower plate 106 by oscillator mounting plate 112, and connectsto drive lever 114 by one or more connectors 116.

Oscillating actuator 110 causes drive lever 114 to rotate a fixeddistance around drive lever pivot point 118 on drive lever mountingblock 120. The oscillating actuator 110 actuates the drive lever at afirst predetermined frequency. The motion of the drive lever 114 aroundthe drive lever pivot point 118 is damped by a damping member such as aspring 122, best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. The damping member or spring 122creates an oscillation force at a second predetermined frequency. Oneend of spring 122 is connected to spring mounting post 124, which issupported by mounting block 126, while the other end of spring 122 isconnected to distributing lever support platform 128. Distributing leversupport platform 128 is connected to drive lever 114 by connecting plate130. Distributing lever support platform 128 supports primarydistributing levers 132, which rotate about primary distributing leverpivot points 134, which may be formed by the surface of the primarydistributing lever 132 bearing against the end of a notch 136 in asupport 138 extending from lower plate 106. Secondary distributinglevers 140 are connected to primary distributing levers 132 by linkages142, which may be simply mutually engaging slots. Secondary distributinglevers 132 rotate about pivot points 144 in a manner similar to thatdescribed above for the primary distributing levers 132.

Upper plate 104 is supported by a plurality of contact points 146, whichcan be adjustably secured to the underside of the upper plate 104, andwhich contact the upper surfaces of primary distributing levers 132,secondary distributing levers 140, or some combination thereof.

In operation, a patient (not shown) sits or stands on the upper plate104, which is in turn supported by a combination of the primarydistributing levers 132 and secondary distributing levers 140. When theapparatus is operating, oscillating actuator 110 moves up and down in areciprocal motion, causing drive lever 114 to oscillate about its pivotpoint 118 at a first predetermined frequency. The rigid connectionbetween the drive lever 114 and distributing lever support platform 128results in this oscillation being damped by the force created or exertedby the spring 122, which can desirably be driven at a secondpredetermined frequency, in some embodiments its resonance frequencyand/or harmonic or sub-harmonics of the resonance frequency. Theoscillatory displacement is transmitted from the distributing leversupport platform 128 to primary distributing levers 132 and thus tosecondary distributing levers 140. One or more of the primarydistributing levers 132 and/or secondary distributing levers 140distribute the motion imparted by the oscillation to the free-floatingupper plate 104 by virtue of contact points 146. The oscillatorydisplacement is then transmitted to the patient supported by the upperplate 104, thereby imparting high frequency, low displacement mechanicalloads to the patient's tissues, such as the bone structure of thepatient supported by the platform 100.

In this particular embodiment, the oscillating actuator 110 can be apiezoelectric or electromagnetic transducer configured to generate avibration. Other conventional types of transducers may be suitable foruse with the invention. For example, if small ranges of displacementsare contemplated, e.g. approximately 0.002 inches (0.05 mm) or less,then a piezoelectric transducer, a motor with a cam, or ahydraulic-driven cylinder can be employed. Alternatively, if relativelylarger ranges of displacements are contemplated, then an electromagnetictransducer can be employed. Suitable electromagnetic transducers, suchas a cylindrically configured moving coil high performance linearactuator may be obtained from BEI Motion Systems Company, KimcheeMagnetic Division of San Marcos, Calif. Such a electromagnetictransducer may deliver a linear force, without hysteresis, for coilexcitation in the range of 10-100 Hz, and short-stroke action in rangesas low as 0.8 inches (2 mm) or less.

Furthermore, the spring 122 can be a conventional type spring configuredto resonate at a predetermined frequency, or resonance frequency. Theresonance frequency of the spring can be determined from the equation:Resonance Frequency(Hz)=[Spring Constant(k)/Mass(lbs)]^(1/2)

For example, if the oscillating platform is to be designed for treatmentof humans, the spring 122 can be sized to resonate at a frequencybetween approximately 30-36 Hz. If the oscillating platform is to bedesigned for the treatment of animals, the spring 122 can be sized toresonate at a frequency up to 120 Hz. An oscillating platform configuredto oscillate at approximately 30-36 Hz utilizes a compression springwith a spring constant (k) of approximately 9 pounds (lbs.) per inch inthe embodiment shown. In other configurations of an oscillatingplatform, oscillations of a similar range and frequency can be generatedby one or more springs, or by other devices or mechanisms designed tocreate or otherwise dampen an oscillation force to a desired range orfrequency.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view taken along line 1-1 in FIG. 1, andpartially cut away to show details of the connection of the oscillatingactuator 110 to the drive lever 114. The drive lever 114 includes anelongate slot 148 (also shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) for receiving connectors116. The elongate slot 148 permits the oscillating actuator 110 to beselectively positioned along a portion of the length of the drive lever114. The connectors 116 can be manually adjusted to position theoscillating actuator with respect to the drive lever 114, and thenreadjusted when a desired position for the oscillating actuator 110 isselected along the length of the elongate slot 148. By adjusting theposition of the oscillating actuator 110, the vertical movement ordisplacement of the drive lever 114 can be adjusted. For example, if theoscillating actuator 110 is positioned towards the drive lever pivotpoint 118, then the vertical movement or displacement of the drive lever114 at the opposing end near the spring 122 will be relatively greaterthan when the oscillating actuator 110 is positioned towards the spring.Conversely, as the oscillating actuator 110 is positioned towards thespring 122, the vertical movement or displacement of the drive lever 114at the opposing end near the spring 122 will be relatively less thanwhen the oscillating actuator 110 is positioned towards the drive leverpivot point 118.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the oscillating platform 100shown in FIG. 1, and partially cut away to show the internal mechanismof the platform 100. In this embodiment as well as other embodiments,the invention is contained within a housing 102. The housing 102 can bemade from any material sufficiently strong for the purposes describedherein, e.g. any material that can bear the weight of a patient on theupper plate. For example, suitable materials can be metals, e.g. steel,aluminum, iron, etc.; plastics, e.g. polycarbonates, polyvinylchloride,acrylics, polyolefins, etc.; or composites; or combinations of any ofthese materials.

Also shown in this embodiment is a series of holes 150 machined throughthe upper plate 104 of the platform 100. The holes 150 are arrangedparallel with each of the primary distributing levers 132 and secondarydistributing levers 140. These holes 150 (also shown in FIG. 1) providedifferent points of connection or attachment for contact points 146,thereby varying the points at which these contact points contact thedistributing levers 132, 140, and thus the amount of lever arm andmechanical advantage used in driving the upper plate 104 to vibrate.

FIGS. 4-10 illustrate another oscillating platform according to variousembodiments of the invention. FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of theplatform 400, which is housed within a housing 402. The platform 400 canalso be referred to as an “oscillating platform” or a “mechanical stressplatform.” The housing 402 includes an upper plate 404 (best seen inFIGS. 5-9), lower plate 406, and side walls 408. Note that the upperplate 404 is generally rectangular or square-shaped, but can otherwisebe geometrically configured for supporting a body in an upright positionon top of the upper plate 404, or in a position otherwise relative tothe platform. Other configurations or structures can be also used tosupport a body in an upright position above, or otherwise relative tothe platform. FIG. 4 shows the platform 400 through upper plate 404, sothat the internal mechanism can be illustrated. An oscillating actuator410 mounts to lower plate 406. The oscillating actuator 410 is anelectromagnetic-type actuator that consists of a stationary coil 412 andarmature 414. The oscillating actuator 410 is configured so that whenthe stationary coil 412 is energized, the armature 414 can be actuatedrelative to the stationary coil 412. The stationary coil 412 mounts tothe lower plate 406, while the armature 414 connects to a drive lever416 by one or more connectors 418.

Oscillating actuator 410 causes drive lever 416 to rotate a fixeddistance around drive lever pivot point 420 on drive lever mountingblock 422. The oscillating actuator actuates the drive lever 416 at afirst predetermined frequency. The drive lever mounting block mounts tothe lower plate 406. The motion of the drive lever 416 around the drivelever pivot point 420 is damped by a damping member such as a spring424, best seen in FIGS. 5-8. The damping member or spring 424 creates anoscillation force at a second predetermined frequency, such as itsresonance frequency or a harmonic or sub-harmonic of the resonancefrequency. The spring 424 fits around a damping member mounting postsuch as a spring mounting post 426 which extends between a dampingmember mounting block such as a spring mounting block 428 and the upperplate 404. The spring mounting post 426 mounts to the lower plate 406.

A hole 430 near one end of the drive lever 416 permits the springmounting post 426 to extend upward from the spring mounting block 428,through the drive lever 416, and to the bottom side of the top plate404. One end of the spring 424 is connected to a spring mounting block428 while the other end of the spring 424 is connected to a leverbearing surface 432 which mounts to the bottom side of the drive lever416 and around the hole 430 through the drive lever 416. Lever bearingsurface 430 is connected to drive lever 416 by a threaded connector 434that fits within the hole 430. Thus the spring 424 extends between thebottom side of the drive lever 416 and the spring mounting block 428.

A crossover bar 436 mounts to the bottom side of the drive lever 416with connector 438, and extends in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the length of the drive lever 416. At each end of thecrossover bar 436, side distributing levers 440 mount to the crossoverbar 436 with connectors 442 at one end of each side distributing lever440. Each side distributing lever 440 then extends substantiallyperpendicular from the length of the crossover bar 436 and substantiallyparallel to a respective sidewall 408 of the platform 400. Each sidedistributing lever 440 rotates about side distributing lever pivotpoints 444 located near the opposing ends of the side distributinglevers 440. A lift pin 446 adjacent to the side distributing lever pivotpoint 444 and extending substantially perpendicular from the sidedistributing lever arm 440 bears against the end of a notch 448 in asupport 450 extending from upper plate 404.

Upper plate 404 is supported by a plurality of contact points 452 whichresult from the bearing contact between the upper surface of the liftpin 446 and a portion of the notch 448 in the support 450.

A printed circuit board (PCB) 454 mounts to the lower plate 406 byconnectors 456. The PCB 454 provides control circuitry and associatedexecutable commands or instructions for operating the oscillatingactuator 410.

An access panel 458 in the upper plate 404 provides maintenance accessto the internal mechanism of the platform 400.

In operation, a patient (not shown) sits or stands on the upper plate404, which is in turn supported by the lift pins 446. When the apparatusis operating, oscillating actuator 410 moves up and down in a reciprocalmotion, causing drive lever 416 to oscillate about its pivot point 420at a first predetermined frequency. The rigid connection between thedrive lever 416 and drive lever mounting block 422 results in thisoscillation being damped by the force exerted by the spring 424, whichcan be driven at a second predetermined frequency, in some embodimentsits resonance frequency, or a harmonic or sub-harmonic of the resonancefrequency. The damped oscillatory displacement is transmitted from thedrive lever 416 to crossover bar 436 and thus to side distributing leverarms 440. One or more of the side distributing lever arms 440 distributethe motion imparted by the oscillation to the free-floating upper plate404 by virtue of the lift pins 446 and contact points 452. Theoscillatory displacement is then transmitted to the patient supported bythe upper plate 404, thereby imparting high frequency, low displacementmechanical loads to the patient's tissues, such as a bone structure ofthe patient supported by the platform 400.

It is desired that a high frequency, low displacement mechanical load beimparted to the bone structure of the patient supported by the platform.To achieve this load, in some embodiments the horizontal centerlinedistance between the damping member or spring 424 and the drive leverpivot point 420 is approximately 12 inches (304.8 mm); and thehorizontal centerline distance between the oscillating actuator 410 andthe drive lever pivot point 420 is approximately 3 inches (76.2 mm). Theratio of the distance from the damping member or spring 424 to the drivelever pivot point 420, and from the oscillating actuator 410 to thedrive lever pivot point 420 may be about 4 to 1, and is also called thedrive ratio. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the horizontal centerlinedistance between the side distributing lever pivot point 444 near thedrive lever pivot point 420 and the side distributing lever pivot point444 near the damping member or spring 424 should be approximately 12inches (304.8 mm); and the horizontal centerline distance between eachside distributing lever pivot point 444 and the respective lift pin maybe approximately ¾ inch (19 mm). The ratio of the distance from the sidedistributing lever pivot point 444 near the drive lever pivot point 420to the side distributing lever pivot point 444 near the spring 424, andfrom each side distributing lever pivot point 444 and the respectivelift pin is about 16 to 1 in some embodiments, and is also called thelifting ratio. In the configuration shown and described, the oscillatingplatform 400 provides a specific drive ratio and lifting ratio. Othercombinations of drive ratios and lifting ratios may be used with varyingresults in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

Moreover, in this particular embodiment, the oscillating actuator 410 isan electromagnetic-type actuator configured to actuate or generate avibration, such as a combination coil and armature or a solenoid. Otherconventional types of actuators may be suitable for use with theinvention. In the configuration shown and described, the oscillatingactuator may be configured to actuate at approximately 30-36 Hz.

Furthermore, the damping member or spring 424 can be a conventional typecoil spring configured to resonate in a range of predeterminedfrequencies. For example, if the oscillating platform is to be designedfor treatment of humans, the damping member or spring is sized toresonate at a frequency between approximately 30 and 36 Hz. If theoscillating platform is to be designed for the treatment of vertebraeanimals, the damping member or spring is sized to resonate at afrequency range between approximately 30 Hz and 120 Hz. In theconfiguration shown, the damping member or spring is a compressionspring with a spring constant of approximately 9 pounds (lbs.) per inch.In other configurations of an oscillating platform, oscillations of asimilar range and frequency can be generated by one or more dampingmembers or springs, or by other devices or mechanisms designed to createor otherwise dampen an oscillation force to a desired range orfrequency.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the platform 400 of FIG. 4 in operation. FIG. 5 isa side sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 4, showing the platform 400in an up-position. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view along line A-A inFIG. 4, showing the platform 400 in a mid-position. FIG. 7 is a sidesectional view along line A-A in FIG. 4, showing the platform 400 in adown-position. In FIGS. 5-7, the internal mechanism of the platform 400is shown in operation with respect to a load (not shown) placed on theupper plate 404. These views illustrate the relative positions of thedrive lever 416, side distribution lever arms 440, and the spring 424while various loads are placed on the upper plate 404.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, when a specific load is placed on the upper plate404, the side distributing lever arms 440 respond to the respective loadon the upper plate 404. In all instances, the load creates a downwardforce on the upper plate 404 that is transferred from the supports 450to a respective lift pin 446 and further transferred to the sidedistributing lever arms 440, the crossover bar 436, and then to thedrive lever 416 and spring 424. For example, in FIG. 5, when a loadweighing approximately fifty pounds (22.5 kilograms) is placed on theupper plate 404, a side distributing lever arm 440 nearest to andadjacent to the drive lever pivot point 420 is displaced upward towardsthe crossover bar 436, whereas the side distributing lever arm 440nearest to and adjacent to the spring 424 is displaced downward from thecrossover bar 436. The drive lever 416 is displaced generally upwardfrom the drive lever pivot point 420 with the spring 424 in a relativelyextended position.

In FIG. 6, when a load weighing approximately 140 pounds (63 kilograms)is placed on the upper plate 404, the side distributing lever arm 440nearest to and adjacent to the drive lever pivot point 420 is displacedto a substantially parallel orientation with the front side distributinglever arm 440 nearest to and adjacent to the spring 424. The drive lever416 is displaced generally horizontal from the drive lever pivot point420 with the spring 424 in a relatively compressed position compared toFIG. 5.

Finally, in FIG. 7, when a relatively large load of approximately 300pounds (135 kilograms) is placed on the upper plate 404, the sidedistributing lever arm 440 nearest to and adjacent to the drive leverpivot point 420 is displaced downward towards the crossover bar 436,whereas the side distributing lever arm 440 nearest to and adjacent tothe spring 424 is displaced upward from the crossover bar 436. The drivelever 416 is displaced generally downward from the drive lever pivotpoint 420 with the spring 424 in a relatively compressed positioncompared to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the platform 400 along line B-B inFIG. 4. This view illustrates the platform 400 in a no-load position,and details the relative positions of the upper plate 404, sidedistribution lever arms 440, and crossover bar 436 in a no-loadposition.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the platform 400 along line A-A inFIG. 4. This view further illustrates the platform 400 in a no-loadposition, and details the relative positions of the drive lever 416,crossover bar 436, spring 424, and oscillating actuator 410 in a no loadposition.

FIG. 10 is a rear section view of the platform 400 along line C-C inFIG. 4, showing the platform 400 in a no-load position, and details therelative positions of the drive lever 416, oscillating actuator 410,crossover bar 436, side distribution lever arms 440, and upper plate404.

FIG. 11 illustrates another oscillating platform 1100 according tovarious embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 11, a cross-sectional viewof the internal mechanism of an oscillating platform 1100. Thisembodiment is shown with a housing 1102 including an upper plate 1104,lower plate 1106, and side walls 1108. Note that the upper plate 1104 isgenerally rectangular or square-shaped, but can otherwise begeometrically configured for supporting a body in an upright position ontop of the upper plate 1104, or in a position otherwise relative to theplatform. Other configurations or structures can be also used to supporta body in an upright position above, or otherwise relative to theplatform. Oscillating actuator 1110 mounts to lower plate 1106 byoscillator mounting plate 1112, and connects to drive lever 1114 by oneor more connectors (not shown).

Oscillating actuator 1110 causes drive lever 1114 to rotate a fixeddistance at a first predetermined frequency around drive lever pivotpoint 1116 on drive lever mounting block 1118. The motion of the drivelever 1114 around the drive lever pivot point 1116 is damped by adamping member such as a cantilever spring 1120. The cantilever spring1120 then creates an oscillation force at a second predeterminedfrequency, such as its resonance frequency or a harmonic or sub-harmonicof the resonance frequency. One end of the cantilever spring mounts to aspring mounting block 1122, while the other end of cantilever spring1120 is in contact with the drive lever 1114 or spring contact point1124. The spring contact point 1124 may be an extension piece mounted tothe underside of the drive lever 1114 and configured for contact withthe cantilever spring 1120.

One or more lift pins 1126 extend from a lateral side of the drive lever1114. The lift pins 1126 engage a respective notch 1128 in one or morecorresponding supports 1130 mounted to the underside of the upper plate1104. The free-floating upper plate 1104 is supported by one or morecontact points 1132 between the lift pins 1126 and the supports 1130.

The second predetermined frequency, such as the resonance frequency or aharmonic or sub-harmonic of the resonance frequency, of the cantileverspring 1120 can be adjusted by a node point 1134. The node point 1134consists of a dual set of rollers 1136, a roller mounting block 1138,connectors 1140 and an external knob 1142. The cantilever spring 1120mounts between the dual set of rollers 1136 so that the rollers 1136 canbe positioned along the length of the cantilever spring 1120. The dualset of rollers 1136 mount to the roller mounting block 1138 viaconnectors 1140. The position of the roller mounting block 1138 can beadjusted along the length of the cantilever spring 1120 by an externalknob 1142 that slides along a track 1144 parallel with the length of thecantilever spring 1120.

The position of the node point 1134 can be manually or automaticallyadjusted, or otherwise pre-set along the length of the cantilever spring1120. When the node point 1134 is adjusted to a specific position alongthe cantilever spring 1120, the node point 1120 acts as a fixed point orfulcrum for the cantilever spring 1120 so that a resonant length of thecantilever spring 1120 can be set to a specific amount. Note that theresonant length of the cantilever spring 1120 depends upon the mass ofthe load placed on the upper plate 1104 and the mass of the combineddrive lever 1114 and cantilever spring 1120. The end of the cantileverspring 1120 in contact with the drive lever 1114 or spring contact point1124 can then resonate when the oscillating actuator 1110 is activated.For example, with a fixed mass placed on the upper plate 1104, as thenode point 1134 is positioned towards the drive lever 1114 or springcontact point 1124, the resonant length of the cantilever spring 1120becomes relatively lesser. Alternatively, as the node point 1134 ispositioned towards the spring mounting block 1122, the resonant lengthof the cantilever spring 1120 becomes relatively greater.

FIG. 12 is a side-sectional view of another oscillating platform 1200according to various embodiments of the invention, showing the internalmechanism of the platform. The view of this embodiment details anotherconfiguration of the internal mechanism of the oscillating platform 1200with a cantilever spring with a sliding node. Other configurations orstructures can be also used to perform the disclosed functions of theoscillating platform.

Generally, a housing (not shown) houses the internal mechanism. Thehousing includes a lower plate 1202 or base. An upper plate (not shown)for supporting a body or a mass opposes the lower plate 1202. Anoscillating actuator (not shown), such as those disclosed in previousembodiments, mounts to lower plate 1202, and contacts the drive lever1204 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 11. Generally, the drivelever 1204 is positioned adjacent to the upper plate to transferoscillation movement from the drive lever to the upper plate and then toa body supported by or in contact with the upper plate.

A node mounting block 1206 and an associated servo stepper motor 1208mount to the lower plate 1202. The node mounting block 1206 and servostepper motor 1208 connect to each other via a connector 1210. Whenadjusted, the node mounting block 1206 can move with respect to thelower plate 1202 via a slot 1212 machined in the lower plate 1202. Thenode mounting block 1206 includes a first roller 1214 mounted to andextending from the upper portion of the node mounting block 1206.

A damping member such as a cantilever spring 1216 mounts to the lowerplate 1202 with a fixed mounting 1218. The cantilever spring 1216extends from the fixed mounting 1218 towards the proximity of the nodemounting block 1206. The first roller 1214 mounted to the node mountingblock 1206 contacts a lower portion of the extended cantilever spring1216. As the node mounting block 1206 is moved within the slot 1212, thefirst roller 1214 moves with respect to the cantilever spring 1216.Similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 11, this type ofconfiguration is called a “sliding node.” A sliding node-typeconfiguration causes the damping member such as a cantilever spring 1216to change its frequency response as the node mounting block 1206 changesits position with respect to the damping member such as the cantileverspring 1216.

As described above, the drive lever 1204 mounts to or contacts the lowerportion of the upper plate. A roller mount 1220 extends from the lowerportion of the drive lever 1204 towards the cantilever spring 1216. Asecond roller 1222 mounts to the roller mount 1220, and contacts anupper portion of the extended cantilever spring 1216.

In this configuration, the oscillating actuator (not shown) causes drivelever 1204 to rotate a fixed distance at a first predetermined frequencyaround a drive lever pivot point (not shown). The motion of the drivelever 1204 around the drive lever pivot point is damped by a dampingmember such as the cantilever spring 1216. The cantilever spring 1216then creates an oscillation force at a second predetermined frequency,such as its resonance frequency or a harmonic or sub-harmonic of theresonance frequency.

The second predetermined frequency, such as the resonance frequency or aharmonic or sub-harmonic of the resonance frequency, of the cantileverspring 1216 can be adjusted as the position of the node mounting block1206 is changed with respect the to the cantilever spring, i.e. slidingnode configuration. The position of the node mounting block 1206 can bemanually or automatically adjusted, or otherwise pre-set along thelength of the damped member or cantilever spring 1216. Note that theresonant length of the damped member such as the cantilever spring 1216depends upon the mass of the load placed on the upper plate and the massof the combined drive lever 1204 and cantilever spring 1216. The end ofthe cantilever spring 1216 in contact with the drive lever 1204 or aspring contact point can then resonate when the oscillating actuator isactivated.

In the embodiments of an oscillating platform shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,and in other structures in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention, the platform (also referred to as an “oscillating platform”or “mechanical stress platform”) may be configured to allow differentusers to selectively adjust the platform to compensate for differentweights of each user. For example, in a physical rehabilitationenvironment, patients or users having different weights may want toutilize the same oscillating platform. Each patient or user could set-upthe oscillating platform for an anticipated user weight on the upperplate so that the oscillating platform can apply an oscillation force ofa desired resonance frequency or harmonic or sub-harmonic of theresonance frequency to the user when he or she sits or stands on theupper plate. An external knob may be provided on the oscillatingplatform to permit the user to selectively adjust the oscillatingplatform in accordance with the user's weight.

In some embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the externalknob controls the position of the sliding node, effectively changing theresonant length of the damped member such as a cantilever spring. Inother embodiments, the external knob would control the position of theoscillating actuator relative to the drive lever. This type ofconfiguration would allow the user to adjust the “effective length” ofthe drive lever and increase or decrease the vertical displacement ofthe drive lever as needed. The “effective length” of the drive lever isthe distance from the centerline of the oscillating actuator to the endof the drive lever nearest the damping member or spring. For example, auser may increase the “effective length” of the drive lever bypositioning the oscillating actuator towards the drive lever pivot pointso that the corresponding vertical displacement of the drive lever canbe increased. Conversely, a user may decrease the “effective length” ofthe drive lever by positioning the oscillating actuator towards thedamping member or spring so that the corresponding vertical displacementof the drive lever can be decreased.

Thus, by positioning the oscillating actuator to a predeterminedposition in accordance with the weight of the user, or by positioningthe sliding node in accordance with the weight of the user, theoscillating platform can provide a therapeutic vibration within aspecific resonance frequency, or harmonic or sub-harmonic of theresonance frequency, range that is optimal for stimulating tissue orbone growth for different users having a range of different weights.

In other embodiments of the invention, the oscillating actuator may beconfigured for a single position. For example, in a home environment, asingle patient only may utilize the oscillating platform. To reduce theamount of time necessary to set-up and operate the oscillating platform,the oscillating actuator may have a pre-set position in accordance withthe particular patient's weight. The patient can then utilize theoscillating platform without need for adjusting the position of theoscillating actuator.

Finally, the embodiments disclosed above can also be adapted with a“self-tuning” feature. For example, when a user steps onto anoscillating platform with a self-tuning feature, the user's mass may befirst determined. Based upon the mass of the user, the oscillatingplatform automatically adjusts the various components of the oscillatingplatform so that the oscillating platform can apply an oscillation forceof a desired resonance frequency or harmonic or sub-harmonic of theresonance frequency to the user when he or she sits or stands or isotherwise supported by the oscillating platform. In this manner, theoscillating platform can provide a therapeutic treatment in accordancewith the various embodiments of the invention, without need for manuallyadjusting the oscillating platform according to the user's mass, andreducing the possibility of user error in adjusting or manually tuningthe oscillating platform for the desired treatment frequency.

While the above description contains many specifics, these specificsshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but merely as exemplifications of the disclosed embodiments. Thoseskilled in the art will envision many other possible variations thatwithin the scope of the invention as defined by the claims appendedhereto.

1. A method for therapeutically treating a patient, comprising the stepsof: supporting at least a portion of a patient with a platform, theplatform including: a damping member in contact with a portion of theplatform, the damping member including a spring; actuating the platformat a first frequency; and oscillating the damping member to create aforce with a second frequency.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thedamping members includes a cantilever spring.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of distributing the force to at least aportion of the platform.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the secondfrequency is in the range of about 30 Hz to about 120 Hz.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the second frequency is in the range of about 30 Hzto about 36 Hz.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthering comprising at leastone plate disposed in mechanical cooperation with the platform and adrive lever disposed in mechanical cooperation with the at least oneplate.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of actuating theplatform comprises activating an oscillating actuator to create avertical displacement of the driver lever.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the oscillating actuator consists of at least one of thefollowing: an electromagnetic transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, oran electromagnetic coil and armature.
 9. The method of claim 6, furthercomprising the step of biasing the driver lever to compensate for theweight of the body.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising thestep of biasing a resonance length of the damping member.
 11. The methodof claim 2, wherein the cantilever spring has a spring constant ofapproximately 9 psi.
 12. The method of claim 3, wherein at least aportion of the platform receives a frequency in the range of about 30 Hzto about 36 Hz.
 13. An apparatus for therapeutically treating a portionof a body, the apparatus comprising: a platform configured to support atleast a portion of a body, the platform being configured to be actuatedat a first frequency and configured to be oscillated in at least apartial vertical direction; and a damping member configured to create aforce at a second frequency.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein thedamping member includes a cantilever spring.
 15. The apparatus of claim13, further comprising a drive lever supported from at least a portionof the platform and an actuator configured to actuate the drive lever ata first frequency.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising adrive lever mounting block mounted to a portion of the platform andconfigured to support at least a portion of the driver lever, and adrive lever pivot point, wherein the drive lever is configured to rotateabout an axis with respect to the drive lever mounting block.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the platform further comprises an upperplate and a lower plate.
 18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein thesecond frequency is in the range of about 30 Hz to about 120 Hz.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 17, further including a printed circuit board, theprinted circuit board disposed in mechanical cooperation with the lowerplate and providing control circuitry for operating the actuator. 20.The apparatus of claim 13, further including a knob disposed inmechanical cooperation with the platform, the knob permitting a user toselectively adjust the resonant length of the damping member.